In the hotly contested compact premium sedan market, cars such as the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 are commonly mentioned as the class leaders by both buyers and journalists. However, both groups forget a very strong contender: The 2011 Lexus IS. The 2011 Lexus IS 250 and 2011 Lexus IS 350 offer rear- and all-wheel-drive models, a choice of two state-of-the-art six-cylinder powerplants and youthful styling. While driving enthusiasts may argue that the Germans reign supreme, the IS twins are no slugs. Also, they have a reputation for longevity and low maintenance costs few others in this field can equal. If you can work around its small rear seat and lack of a manual transmission on the 350 models, the IS can be a thoroughly satisfying premium performance sedan.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're stuck on Lexus' quality, sales experience and resale value, but you find some of their offerings a bit tame, test drive a 2011 Lexus IS 250 or 2011 Lexus IS 350. The sharp styling, impressive handling and potent engine choices may change your mind.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're a driving purist who can't live without a manual transmission or thickly bolstered sport seats, the BWM 3 Series or Audi A4/S4 might be a better fit. The IS' cramped rear seat might also be a deal killer, especially if your passengers vertically surpass the six foot mark.

What's Significant About This Car?

Lexus adds optional all-wheel drive to the 2011 Lexus IS 350. Rear-wheel drive versions of the 2011 Lexus IS 250 and 2011 Lexus IS 350 get a new F-Sport Package. In addition, all 2011 Lexus IS models receive a slight front and rear makeover and some minor interior upgrades.

Driving the IS

Driving Impressions
At the heart of the 2011 Lexus IS is a sport suspension that does an admirable job minimizing body roll and lean without also delivering a jarring ride. The IS'...

steering is positive and linear, and the brakes and electronic stability control system work effortlessly to keep the car in check. While the 2011 Lexus IS 350 is the prime mover of this family, even the 2011 Lexus IS 250 feels fairly quick around town. Both models easily cope with the cut-and-thrust of daily commuting as well as freeway passing moves. For the ultimate performance driving experience, opt for the F Sport Package (rear-drive cars only).

Favorite Features

Paddle-Shift Automatic TransmissionOptional in a base Lexus IS 250 but standard on the Lexus IS 250 AWD and Lexus IS 350, this slick sequential six-speed allows you to use the fully-automatic mode or shift for yourself.

Optional F Sport Package While the well-tuned standard suspension will likely please most buyers, the F Sport Package is firmer and includes an 18-inch wheel and tire upgrade that elevates any rear-drive IS model – but especially the 2011 Lexus IS 350 – to near-BMW 3 Series levels of agility and fun without detracting from the basic ride comfort.

2011 Lexus IS Details

Interior

Simple, clean and tasteful, the interior of the 2011 Lexus IS is the epitome of Lexus' restrained approach to cabin comfort. Soft touch surfaces abound, and leather seating is standard on all models. The 2011 Lexus IS' instrument cluster contains Lexus' Optitron electroluminescent gauges, which glow brightly even in full sunlight. The same cannot be said, however, for some of the secondary readouts and the navigation screen display. Tall drivers will appreciate the front seat's long travel and the tilt and telescoping steering wheel, but rear seat passenger may find both head and legroom at a premium.

Exterior

The 2011 Lexus IS' slight wedge profile has a muscular appearance that is accentuated by blackout B-pillars that blend glass and metal into a single visual element. Prominent shoulder ridges run atop the IS' fenders and highlight a subtle power bulge on the car's hood. The treatment is finished off with a set of well-defined fender flares and lower side sills. The look is completed by 17- and 18-inch wheels surrounded by performance V-rated tires.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Even the baseline 2011 Lexus IS 250 with 204 horsepower and six-speed manual transmission (or optional six-speed paddle-shifted automatic) has a comprehensive array of standard equipment that includes numerous power assists – including 10-way power driver's and passenger's seats – plus dual-zone automatic climate control, power moonroof, SmartAccess remote keyless entry and start and a 194-watt 13-speaker audio system with six-disc CD changer. The 2011 IS 250 AWD adds a sophisticated all-wheel drive system, heated front seats and an automatic transmission as standard equipment, while the 306-horsepower 2011 Lexus IS 350 is available with the automatic only. The IS 350 features HID headlamps, larger wheels and bigger brakes.

Optional Equipment

Key upgrades to the 2011 Lexus IS include the Luxury Plus Package that adds perforated leather heated and ventilated seats, wood trim, rain-sensing wipers, power tilt and telescopic steering column, and auto dimming outside mirrors. The new F Sport Package adds a sport-tuned suspension and steering upgrades, 18-inch wheels and a dark chrome grille. Other options of note include voice-activated DVD Navigation and the Mark Levinson 14-speaker 300-watt Premium Surround Sound Audio System. The navigation system is also available as a stand-alone option, as are the bi-xenon headlights and Intuitive park assist. Brake, exhaust and suspension upgrade kits are available for F Sport Package-equipped models.

Under the Hood

Two technology-intensive, all-aluminum V6 engines provide clean and comparatively fuel-efficient motivation for the IS line. The 2.5-liter version uses dual Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence (VVT-i) and direct fuel injection to develop 204 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. That's sufficient to take a rear-drive IS 250 from zero to 60 miles per hour in a bit under eight seconds with either transmission, and to send the IS 250 AWD to that speed in about 8.5 seconds. The 3.5-liter V6 in the IS 350 adds secondary port injection and cranks out 306 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Backed with the mandatory paddle-shifted multi-mode (Normal/Sport/Snow) automatic, it propels the fleetest member of the IS family to the 60-mph benchmark in about 5.5 seconds.

The REAL Ultimate Driving Machine!

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

10/10

Value

10/10

Reliability

10/10

Quality

10/10

Performance

10/10

Styling

10/10

Comfort

10/10

Pros: "Power, handling, luxury"

Cons: "several minor recalls"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought the car new, as a gift for my wife, and got all the options. I felt that it was a good combination of power and luxury. At the same time, my brother bought a BMW 335i, so I have been able to do a lot of continual comparing as our cars age. I bought the Lexus because of comfort, power, and handling (pretty much in that order). Lexus did an outstanding job in this car in that they are all equal. The interior details are better than any other vehicle I've driven then and now. It has super-soft tight leather, bright clear instrument cluster, and a very quiet ride. The car is very quick with about as much useable power as can be used on-highway. The traction control is super smooth at all speeds and most average drivers would never know it was actually engaging. The handling is amazing for a sedan (as I recall, it beat the BMW 330 in the slalom by 1 mph, 66/65). The navigation still works nicely, but is not as intuitive as modern systems, of course.
In comparison of the 2007 Lexus IS350 to the 2007 BMW 335i, the Lexus is a far superior car. It is equally powered, handles the same, but is way more comfortable (quiet, amazing sound system, supple leather, bright instrument cluster, etc.). Additionally, reliability has been much better for the Lexus. Tire life is about 25K per set, vs 15K for his 335 (he has had terrible problems with inner rear tire wear).
Final (disappointing) thought... The newer Lexus IS's do not have nearly the quality of leather as our 2007. I have driven the new Lexus', BMW's, and Audi S4 (my top contenders for power, handling, luxury), but none of them impress me more than my 2007 IS350. I guess I'll be keeping it until someone steps up and makes a better car."

My Baby

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

9/10

Value

9/10

Reliability

8/10

Quality

10/10

Performance

10/10

Styling

10/10

Comfort

10/10

Pros: "Driveability, Gas mileage"

Cons: "Quirky, Expensive upkeep"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"If this car were more dependable or less expensive to repair, it would be a perfect 10. Handles like a dream. Steering, stopping and maneuvering, as well as, pick up are what you dream a car could be. The recalls and quirks were a pain to deal with but although expensive, fairly convenient since the dealership provides a loaner. Moved from So. Cal. to Pacific NW and now need an AWD vehicle. I will miss this car but need something larger now."

the best for value and reliability

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

10/10

Value

9/10

Reliability

10/10

Quality

10/10

Performance

9/10

Styling

9/10

Comfort

10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I own a 2010 is 250 and i can say that owning it and driving it always puts a smile on my face.the interior is flawless with all the creature comfort that you can imagine plus an addition of some f-sport upgrades like exhaust system, air intake and f sport springs all around.all in all i rate the car as 10 for everyday driving with luxuries."

"My Lexus has never shown a flaw. I've driven Mercedes, BMWs, and Alfa Romeoes. None come close to the Lexus. I would not consider selling or trading my car for less than $18,000. It's worth at least $18,000. May drive the car another 10 years."

Favorite Car I've Ever Owned!

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

10/10

Value

8/10

Reliability

9/10

Quality

10/10

Performance

10/10

Styling

10/10

Comfort

9/10

Pros: "extremely fun to drive"

Cons: "rear legroom is reduced"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I'm in love with my 2013 IS250!
This car is quick, fun, and easy to drive. The cabin is so smooth, makes you want to drive all the time. What I love about this car is that it's gas efficient and very luxurious in many way. I wish they would have never changed the body style on it, if not I would definitely buy another one in a couple of years."